Highland Recreation Area

Description - This park boasts 5,903 acres of terrain comprised of open brush land, mature hardwood forest, and pockets of open meadows. The varied habitats support populations of white-tailed deer, rabbit, pheasant, duck, goose, and squirrel. Woodland wildflowers and bird species are impressive.

Attractions
- Highland Recreation Area has many features for outdoor recreationists. Horseback riding and horse camping are two of the park's most popular sports. Sixteen miles of bridle trail, a staging area, and campground cater to equestrians. A group camp is offered at the park as well. Also for rent is the Bass Lake fully modern cabin which sleeps 5, in wooded seclusion, overlooking Bass Lake.

With thousands of hardwood and open meadow acreage, the park lends its self to wonderful nature trails, wildflower identification and bird and wildlife watching. Hunters are permitted in the park harvesting pheasant, duck, goose, white-tailed deer, and squirrel. A dog field trail area is available.

Seventeen miles of hiking and cross-country skiing trails traverse the landscape. More than 8 miles of mountain bike trails rewards the novice biker. Snowmobiling is permitted when snow depths reach 4".

Anglers can enjoy catching bluegill, pike, bass and crappie, and swimmers will enjoy the beach at Teeple Lake. Boat launches are available at Alderman, Teeple, Moore and Lower Pettibone lakes. Ice fishing is permitted.

The 546-acre Haven Hill Natural Area features lush forest, Michigan wildflowers and a variety of bird species, all of which can be seen from the park's nature trails.

Dodge 10 Unit, located off Pettibone Lake Road at the western end of the park, provides a quiet setting for many activities. A picnic shelter is available for rent between April 1 and October 15. Teeple Lake, with its clear water and surrounding wooded hills, is located in the southeastern section of the park. Available for use: swimming beach, modern toilet building, horseshoe courts, volleyball net, picnic area with grills, picnic shelters for rent and a boat launch.

Climate - Southeast Michigan is the warmest region in the state with summer temperatures averaging 70 degrees F (above 21 degrees C) but it is not infrequent for days to reach the high 80s. Winter temperatures are warmer as well with averages hovering just below freezing. Yearly moisture amounts range between 18 - 32 inches.

Location -
Highland Recreation Area is located 15 miles west of Pontiac along Highland Road (M-59). Pontiac.

Current Conditions & Trip Reports

Trip Reports:
Add your own trip Report!Newly re-released feature. One of the most popular features on Wildernet, trip reports allow you to share your experiences with others.
This is an invaluable resource for determining what to expect on your outdoor adventure, so please participate! To prevent spamming, you must be a registered user of Wildernet in order to submit a trip reportFiled By: Kat
(Jackson, MI)
Number of People Encountered: 0-10 pplRecommend to a Friend: HighlyReport: This is a place where anyone family can go to relaxe spend time with the family and have a blast. When i was younger my family and i would come here and it would be a big reward for doing good in school and having fun in the snow.Filed By: Kate
(White Lake, MI)
Number of People Encountered: 0-10 pplRecommend to a Friend: HighlyReport: OMG !!! i love this place, i go horsebackriding ther once a week and i know everyone who works ther so well, they are so nice and caring i cant wait till next week!Filed By: heather Number of People Encountered: 25-50 pplRecommend to a Friend: HighlyReport: Highland Rec has some awesome mt biking. Usually you'll only see maybe a few other riders but last weekend the lot was packed but still only a few groups on people on the trail. Very challenging trails but well worth it. The trails there are awesome. Filed By: charlie* Number of People Encountered: 25-50 pplRecommend to a Friend: HighlyReport: hello im charlie*i had a gr8t time camping at highland rec. with my bestest friend and my daughters,such serenity and such comfort our lil home away from home i ll call it n e ways.yep lots of fun and beach is gr8t too.i always feel like family there****************well thats all have fun ******************************

Additional Information:Michigan Lakes and Rivers - Michigan is one of the most unique states in the nation boasting not only thousands of acres of interior natural lakes along with miles of waterways but also expansive shorelines that touch four of the five Great Lakes: Superior, Michigan, Huron, and Erie.Michigan State Parks and Forests - Everything that makes Michigan special is embodied in the 96 State Parks. Boasting sterling recreation, Michigan State Parks and Forests invite you to enjoy one of their 14,000 campsites, 170 winter-sport areas and infinite rivers, streams, and lakes.Southeast Michigan - Southeast Michigan, teaming with people also teams with recreation opportunities. Glacial activity left this Great Lakes region lush with hundreds of lakes, ponds, and marshes.